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5 Takeaways From New Orleans Pelicans’ Early-Season Play

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5 Takeaways From New Orleans Pelicans' Early-Season Play

5 Takeaways From New Orleans Pelicans'
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With MVP candidate and rising star Anthony Davis leading the way, the New Orleans Pelicans have gotten off to an impressive 5-3 start. Although the Pelicans are a young and inexperienced team, head coach Monty Williams and Anthony Davis seem to be a perfect match for years to come. Here are five takeaways from the Pelicans' early-season play.

5. Guard Play Is Important

New Orleans Pelicans Media Day
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5. Guard Play Is Important

New Orleans Pelicans Media Day
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While Anthony Davis deserves all the credit for his magnificent play thus far, the Pelicans' duo of Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans have also improved their production in their second seasons in New Orleans. So far, Holiday is averaging 16.3 PPG and 6.9 ,APG and Evans is also averaging 16.3 PPG, 7.1 APG and 6.8 RPG. If New Orleans can get production from Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers, they will be a deep team.

4. Monty Knows Best

New Orleans Pelicans
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4. Monty Knows Best

New Orleans Pelicans
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In his fifth season as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, Monty Williams and company look to be much improved from last season with a 5-3 start. Although Williams has been known for his attention to detail and defense, the Pelicans have shown to be an offensive force this season, ranking third in the NBA in points per game (105.6) and assists per game (24.4).

3. Ryan Anderson Is Back

New Orleans Pelicans
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3. Ryan Anderson Is Back

New Orleans Pelicans
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After a neck injury ended his 2013-14 season early, Ryan Anderson has returned to the lineup and hasn't missed a beat for the young Pelicans. The 26-year-old perimeter threat is currently averaging 16.3 PPG and 5.9 RPG while shooting an impressive 43 percent from beyond the arc. If Anderson can continue to produce off the bench, the Pelicans will be a tough team in the west.

2. Real Contenders

New Orleans Pelicans v San Antonio Spurs
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2. Real Contenders

New Orleans Pelicans
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While it may be a little premature to say that the New Orleans Pelicans will make the playoffs, it should be safe to say that Anthony Davis and company will give opposing teams a fight every game. Despite being in arguably the best division in the NBA, look for the Pelicans to contend for a playoff spot. The Pelicans' next test comes as they travel to Portland on Monday in the first game of a four-game road trip.

1. Anthony Davis Has Arrived

New Orleans Pelicans
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1. Anthony Davis Has Arrived

New Orleans Pelicans
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With Anthony Davis playing like an MVP candidate, the Pelicans are definitely a team on the rise. No one has ever doubted the athletic forward, but so far this season he is playing like he has something to prove on both ends of the court. Through his first eight games, Davis is currently averaging 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 4.1 BLKPG, 2.35 SPG and 2.1 APG. If Davis can keep up his production, he should certainly be receiving some hardware.

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